A CAMPAIGN to tackle teenagers involved in anti-social behaviour has been launched by police.

Uniformed and plain-clothed officers will increase patrols in Sunderland city centre, the Galleries shopping centre and Chichester Metro station, which have previously experienced incidents involving large groups of youths.

The operation will be supported by a number of organisations including enforcement officers at Sunderland City Council, local Youth Offending Teams and Nexus.

Inspector Jamie Southwell, of Northumbria Police, said: “It may only be a minority, but their actions can have a significant effect on residents who can be made to feel intimidated.”